However a paperwork mix-up by Co-operative Funeralcare meant the couple's instructions which were given to a local office were not followed by head office.

Debbie said she was asked by midwives within hours of Hope's birth to fill in forms about how she wanted her daughter's remains to be dealt with but said she 'was all over the place and didn't know what to say'.

She was later told that she could have a 'think over the weekend' and could change her mind but the ashes would be scattered by default unless heard otherwise.

Debbie and Charles did phone the Co-op after the weekend and told them they wanted the ashes returned to them.

She said the instruction was 'verified' but 'no one told the crematorium'.

Bosses at Co-operative Funeralcare have apologised to the family and are investigating.

In a statement, the Cop-op said: "We recognise that the loss of a baby is an incredibly difficult experience and we are truly sorry to the family of Hope Leggat-McAllister for the additional distress that this error has caused.

Supporting families following a bereavement is the most important thing to us.

"In cases where we work with third parties such as hospitals or crematoria, we have thorough guidance in place to make sure our colleagues act upon any wishes communicated.

"This is a one off error, but one mistake is too many and we are fully investigating to make sure any necessary improvements are made.

"We remain in contact with the family and would like to support them with any options they feel are a suitable way to remember baby Hope."

Debbie said giving birth to Hope and knowing she would not live was 'awful' as 'it was the only day I knew I would ever see her'.